Two hundred and ninety-two indigenes of Ebonyi State have been rescued from human trafficking.
This was disclosed on Friday by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Speaking during the inauguration of the Ebonyi Task Force Team on Human Trafficking at Government House in Abakaliki, NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli said the rescue covered six years.
She explained that from 2004 to July 2020, the victims consisting of 205 females and 87males were subjected to child abuse, child labour, sexual exploitation and sale of babies.
“From 2004 to July 2020, a total of 292 indigenes of Ebonyi state have been rescued by NAPTIP, consisting of 205 females and 87 males, mostly from Izzi, Ezza, Ikwo, Afikpo north and south, Onitsha.
“These victims were subjected to child abuse, child labour, sexual exploitation and sale of babies.
“Between 2017 and 2020, the international organization for migration (IOM) returned 11 indigenes of Ebonyi state various parts of the world, Libya, Mali, Niger, the Middle East and parts of Europe. This comprised 9 females and 2 males,” she said.
The NAPTIP boss explained that human trafficking represents a clear and present danger to human and national security, adding that it must be addressed boldly and frontally.
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While noting that the Task Force members have a pivotal role to play, Okah-Donli asked them to adequately sensitize people at the grassroots.
She also wants them to provide services and support to victims who have been rescued and returned as well as information sharing and law enforcement.
Speaking further, the NAPTIP boss also called for strong political will and budgetary provisions on the part of the state governments, in addition to the commitment of traditional institutions, religious and community leaders.
On his part, Governor Dave Umahi commended the agency for its efforts in curbing the menace in the country.
Speaking through his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, the governor assured the agency of the state government’s support in fighting the scourge of human trafficking.
He also promised to promote the activities of the agency to the grassroots in order to halt the activities of human trafficking in the state.
